• By LES EAST
• Special to The Advocate
• Published: Nov 23, 2008 - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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NEW ORLEANS — A coaching change and a change of venue didn’t do the Oklahoma City Thunder much good against the Hornets on Saturday night at the New Orleans Arena.

The Hornets beat the Thunder 105-80 Friday night in Oklahoma City, precipitating the early-morning firing of coach P.J. Carlesimo on Saturday.

Interim coach Scott Brooks got his team to play more competitively less than 24 hours later, but it still had no answers for Chris Paul and David West.

“They had a good 1-2 punch going tonight,” Hornets center Tyson Chandler said of Paul and West.

Paul had his fifth career triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds, and West scored a season-high 33 points as New Orleans pulled away to a 109-97 victory.

“That was the best game he’s had all year,” Hornets coach Byron Scott said of Paul, who had his first triple-double since April 16 of last season when he had 16 points, 13 assists and 10 rebounds against Golden State.

The Hornets (7-5) begin a three-game Western road trip when they visit the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. The Thunder, losing its 11th straight, is 1-13.

Paul tossed in three steals for good measure in a season-high 43-plus minutes as he saw extended playing time because his backup, Devin Brown, sprained his right ankle in the second quarter and did not return. He’s listed as day to day. Peja Stojakovic scored 12 and Rasual Butler had 10 for New Orleans.

“Their two best players both had monster games against us,” Brooks said. “And they’re one of the best teams in the NBA. It’s going to be tough for anyone to win when that happens.”

Kevin Durant led Oklahoma City with 30 points, Jeff Green scored 17 (just six after the first quarter), Chris Wilcox had 14 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and Damien Wilkins scored 11.

Paul had a hand in all four Hornets baskets as they extended a five-point halftime lead to 11 at the outset of the third quarter. He assisted on baskets by West, Stojakovic and Chandler before making a jumper.

“One thing I always appreciate about him is that he always gets the other guys going first,” Chandler said. “He usually has the ball so he can get his, but he always makes sure to get his teammates involved.”

The Thunder managed to get the margin back to five three times during the third quarter, but each time New Orleans rebuilt it. The final time, consecutive baskets by West and Hilton Armstrong and a 3-pointer by James Posey gave the Hornets an 82-72 lead after three quarters.